Eligibility quiz
Is either of your parents Jewish?
Benefits
Benefits for youBenefits for you
Live in Israel
An A/1 holder can live in Israel for up to five years.
A/5 residence is temporary and is normally granted for up to one year at a time, depending on the validity of your passport.
Work in Israel
A/1 holders can work in Israel during their stay.
A/5 holders can work where their permit and the rules allow it.
Use public healthcare
Healthcare is available when recognized as a resident, after 183 days in Israel and proof your main home and life are there.
Lawful days in the previous six months can count, but recognition starts no earlier than the visa date.
A wait of up to six months can apply after 18 consecutive months abroad with at least 12 months of unpaid health contributions, or if you lost resident status.
Access social support
Once recognized as a resident, you may qualify for National Insurance benefits, including unemployment payments.
Unemployment payments also depend on your age, work, contributions, why you stopped working and Employment Service conditions.
How to apply
Applying at a local officeApplying at a local office
Find your local office
Find the Population and Immigration Authority office responsible for the place where you live in Israel.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “Which Israel Population and Immigration Authority office handles temporary residence visas for persons eligible under the Right of Return in your city?”
Download the application form
For A/1, print the visa application form. For A/5, print the application for a permanent residence permit or change of visa category.
Find the application formsSearches DuckDuckGo for “Where can I download the Israel temporary residence visa application forms for persons eligible under the Right of Return?”
Fill in the form
Complete and sign the application form for the visa you are requesting.
Find form instructionsSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I fill in the Israel temporary residence visa application for persons eligible under the Right of Return?”
Gather your documents
Prepare the required documents for your local office.
See required documentsBook an appointment
Submit your details and choose your local office through the visa department scheduler. A representative will contact you to arrange the appointment.
Book an appointmentGo to your appointment
Bring your completed form, passport and required documents to your local office and submit them in person. Pay the A/1 fee there by credit card, or pay any applicable A/5 fee as the office directs.
Find appointment informationSearches DuckDuckGo for “What do I bring to my Israel temporary residence visa appointment for persons eligible under the Right of Return?”
Wait for the decision
Wait for the authority to decide on your application, and respond if it asks for more information or documents.
See decision informationSearches DuckDuckGo for “How long does an Israel temporary residence visa application for persons eligible under the Right of Return take?”
Renew or change status
If approved, follow the conditions and renewal instructions for your permit. A/1 lets you live and work in Israel for up to five years; after that, you can choose citizenship or apply for A/5.
Find renewal informationSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I renew or change an Israel temporary residence visa for persons eligible under the Right of Return?”
Documents needed
Family certificates and recordsFamily certificates and records
Birth certificates
Bring your original birth certificate and your parent’s birth certificate to show your family connection. Include your Jewish grandparent’s birth certificate or other official evidence of the connection.
Considerations
Things to think aboutThings to think about
Maintaining your status
For A/5 renewal, generally apply at least 90 days before expiry, with a valid passport and proof your circumstances and main life in Israel continue.
Report changes and declare that your information is true.
For a spouse-based status, keep a genuine, exclusive relationship and a shared life in Israel.
Status can end
A/1 ends after up to five years; it does not automatically become citizenship or A/5.
A/5 expires unless renewed, and renewal can be refused or status withdrawn if its conditions no longer hold or your main life is not in Israel.
Security and criminal checks can also affect whether the status continues.
Discuss
Online communitiesOnline communities
Secret Tel Aviv
Facebook group for people interested in Israeli local life (Hebrew & English)
Join on Facebookr/Israel
English Reddit group for people interested in Israeli local life
Join on Redditr/israel_bm
Hebrew Reddit group for people interested in Israeli local life
Join on RedditConsultation
Talk to a professionalTalk to a professional
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